VETERAN Journalist and ace broadcaster, Dr Yemi Farounbi, has been appointed Nigerian Ambassador designate to the Republic of Philippines.

The renowned journalist was recently named ambassador designate by the Federal Government.

Speaking on his new assignment, he pledged to strengthen economic tie between Nigeria and Philippine as well as create opportunity for foreign investment in Nigeria.

Fielding questions from newsmen after a reception organized for him in Ila Orangun , Osun state by the Managing Director of Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA,  Jide Adeniji,  Dr Farounbi,  said “Firstly, commercial and economic relationship will be my priority, opening up the market for Nigerian  products, creating a lot of opportunity  for foreign direct investment in Nigeria , so that we will be in a position to create jobs , to strengthen our power base , open up our hinterland by rapid  hinterland gateway.”

“What Nigeria needs most now is foreign direct investment and the market for its products, adding that he would also work at creating intellectual linkage between the two countries. We are also thinking of intellectual linkages between our academic institution ,and foreign institution, so that our people can have sabbatical in foreign university , the way it  used to be , and some foreigners , also to have their sabbatical in Nigeria university, so that we can bring universe back into the university.”

On the large number of Nigerians in various prisons in Philippine,  Farounbi said his assignment was not only to look into the cases of those who were wrongly prosecuted, but to also take interest in all matters that affected the lives of Nigerians in the host country.

Earlier, Adeniji said he decided to honour Dr farounbi because the Ambassador designate was an illustrious son of the state, who had contributed meaningfully to the advancement of his immediate community, the state and Nigeria.